DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has launched an in-depth study into waste management in Bali, amid concerns that the scale of tourism activity on the island is not yet matched by clear and accurate data on its contribution to overall waste generation.
The research focuses on plastic waste and food waste generated by tourism accommodation facilities. According to BRIN Research Professor Muhammad Reza Cordova, the study aims not only to quantify how much waste comes from the tourism sector, but also to map how waste is currently managed on the ground.
“Tourism is often mentioned as the biggest contributor to waste, but this assumption needs to be tested through data-based research. We want to see objectively whether tourism is indeed one of the largest contributors, while also identifying good management practices that could be applied more widely across Indonesia,” Reza said during a focus group discussion on waste issues at the Bali Tourism Office on Thursday (February 5).
During the study process, BRIN found that many hotels and tourism accommodations are still not fully connected to proper waste management systems. As a result, both organic and inorganic waste generated by tourism activities is not being handled optimally.
One of the main areas of attention is food waste produced by tourism operations. Reza explained that food waste management in Bali has largely focused on composting, but this approach may not always be the most effective or the only solution.
“For food waste, we want to first assess whether there are alternative solutions beyond composting and the approaches that are commonly used today,” he said.
Plastic waste is another key concern in the study. BRIN is examining how plastic waste management systems operate in tourism areas and how far tourism businesses are involved in reducing and managing the waste they generate.
“That is what we will examine in more detail. Hopefully by mid-year, we can produce findings that are more specific and comprehensive,” Reza added.
Preliminary data suggests that waste generated by the tourism sector in Bali accounts for around 13 percent of total waste. However, Reza stressed that this figure still needs to be verified, as there may be a significant amount of unrecorded waste.
“Whether it is truly 13 percent, or actually smaller or larger, is what we want to confirm. Accurate data is essential so that waste management efforts can be more targeted,” he said.
The results of BRIN’s study are expected to serve as a foundation for more integrated waste management policies, both for local governments and tourism industry players. With a research-based approach, Bali’s waste challenges are expected to be addressed not only through reactive measures, but through long-term, data-driven planning.